270 Alaska Oil Jobs Disappearing

BP is cutting about 270 Alaska jobs, employees learned today. A spokeswoman says that amounts to 13 percent of the company’s workforce in the state, with the majority of reductions made to the oil and gas exploration division.

As oil prices remain low, the cutbacks in Alaska are part of a much broader reduction to BP’s worldwide operations. Globally, BP is slashing 4,000 jobs including positions in the Lower 48 and the Gulf of Mexico.

Governor Bill Walker issued the following statement Tuesday in response to BP’s recently announced plans to cut about 270 Alaska jobs:

“Today’s announcement that BP will be cutting 4,000 jobs worldwide is concerning. However, this further emphasizes the need to pursue additional resource development opportunities in Alaska, including the 1002 section of ANWR and the Alaska LNG project. I am committed to continue working with producers like BP to address low oil prices and declining production, and ensure these companies maintain a strong presence in Alaska. I appreciate the contributions BP has made throughout our state, and am confident they will continue to be leaders in Alaska’s oil and gas industry in the future.”